Have you ever lit a candle and watched the candle jar slowly turn from clear to black?
Know that you are not alone. It’s a common occurrence for many candle lovers. Read on to find out why this happens and how to prevent it!
Why Does My Candle Jar Turn Black? Solving The Mystery
You might notice black stains or dark spots inside a candle jar when you light a candle. Candle jars sometimes turn black due to soot buildup.
Soot is a powdery black substance consisting mainly of carbon particles. It is the smoky residue left behind when a candle burns.
It is released from the candle flame during incomplete combustion. It means the candle wax doesn’t burn completely.
Reasons Behind Black Smoke
Let’s explore the common causes of black smoke and why you get to see soot on candle jars.
The Wick is Too Large
A larger wick means a larger flame, which can produce more soot. If the wick is too thick, it may also cause your candle to burn too quickly.
Quality of Wax
The type of wax used can affect soot production.
Cheaper or lower-quality waxes often produce black smoke and soot than higher-quality waxes. They contain impurities that lead to more black stains.
Additives in the Candle
Many candles contain extra ingredients to improve their smell and appearance. However, these additives, like fragrance oils and dyes, can cause the jar to turn black.
The more scent or colorant added, the higher the chance of a blackened candle.
Airflow and Burning Conditions
The area where you burn your candle can influence the accumulation of soot. Keeping a candle in a drafty area or where it doesn’t get enough air can lead to soot.
Can Burning My Candle for Too Long Cause Black Jars?
Yes, burning a candle for a long time can make the sides of the candle jar turn black.
It’s essential to keep your candle burning time to a moderate amount to prevent soot.
Experts suggest that candles should not be lit for more than four hours at a stretch. Let your candle rest after a few hours so it burns cleanly and prevents blackening.
Ways To Keep Your Candle Jar From Turning Black
There are a few ways to prevent black soot from candle jars and keep your candle jar looking as good as new:
Pick Quality Candles
Choose high-quality candles with natural wicks like cotton or wood for a clean-burning candle. Also, check the quality of the wax.
Candles made from soy wax or beeswax tend to burn more cleanly than paraffin wax candles.
Trim the Wick
Trim your candle wick to ΒΌ inches before each burn. This helps ensure a cleaner burn and prevents uneven burning and blackening of candle jars.
Choose the Right Spot
Place your candle glass in a spot with minimal air drafts. Moving air can disturb the flame, causing an accumulation of soot particles.
Avoid placing your candle near open windows, fans, or air vents.
Be Mindful of Burn Time
It’s best not to burn candles for more than four hours at a time. After four hours, extinguish the flame and let the wax cool before relighting.
This will reduce the likelihood of soot being produced.
Use Candle Accessories
Lastly, consider using tools designed for candle care.
A candle shade can help protect the flame from drafts, while a candle snuffer can extinguish the candle without producing smoke.
Is Soot Bad for Me or My House?
It depends on the amount of soot produced. If there’s just a tiny amount, it’s not usually a big deal.
If there’s a lot of soot from burning jars, it can harm your health, especially if you have asthma, breathing difficulties, or allergies. Tiny particles can get deep into your lungs and cause irritation.
Smoke and soot can also be a nuisance around the house. They stick to walls, ceilings, and furniture, leaving behind a grimy layer that can be tough to clean.
Final Thoughts
Black candle jars tend to happen when the candle doesn’t burn all the way.
By following these tips, you can have enjoyable candle experiences without the unwanted black residue or the presence of soot!